The gang from American Pickers is gearing up to sift through the keystone state's attics and backyards this April. The History Channel's treasure-hunting hit show, with its eye for the weird, wonderful, or just plain old, has Philadelphia on its radar, as noted in a post on the show's Facebook page. American Pickers hopes to dig up gems in private collections across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, but don't expect to see them rummaging through commercial stores, they've clearly stated that's not on the agenda.
Last year’s Pennsylvania outing brought to light wonders such as vintage automobiles including three classic Porsches, a sizeable oak cabinet, and an attention-catchingly large Gulf gas sign, as per a report by pennlive.com. Seeking out the rare and often forgotten, the show has consistently managed to perfectly highlight the undiscovered stories hiding in our own backyards.
Since the series began, it has changed hands a few times when it comes to hosts. With original picker Frank Fritz having been sidelined since mid-2022 after health issues, the show has seen Mike Wolfe, his brother Rob, "Jersey Jon" and Danielle Colby take the helm. These hosts have no small task ahead as they continue the legacy of providing deep dives into the lives of the collectors they encounter, hauling everything from antique medical equipment to sought-after pop culture paraphernalia like original movie posters and The Simpsons scripts.
American Pickers, often likened to a blend of Antiques Roadshow and Hoarders, vigorously rejects the latter comparison. Mike Wolfe told Southeastern Antiquing and Collecting Magazine "the people we come across are collectors; they are proud people who are proud of their collections. On ‘Hoarders,’ no one was proud." That pride is exactly what Wolfe and company are hoping to once again capture, and maybe even rekindle, as they methodically explore the Philadelphia area this spring.
If you've got something that you believe might spark the interest of these seasoned pickers, dust off those boxes and reach out. Who knows, your junk might be the next treasure to make television history.
